Tuesday, February 14, 2017

This weekend we had an early dose of spring here in the Carolinas. 70+ degrees in February is such a treat. We tried to savor every moment before the sun went down. I love when neighborhoods come to life with signs of spring in the air. Warm weather is good for the soul.Recently I decided to take some time each week to do something that makes my creative soul happy, even if it's simply buying some pretty flowers at the grocery store, like these lavender lovelies...

...Or, working on moodboards (a fav way for me to gain some inspiration). I did this Valentine-esque moodboard, inspired by COCOCO. Who can resist these three sweet somethings...Roses, Chocolates + Chesterfields...

Friday, February 3, 2017

I told you we were working on something really fun! ...and now here it is, just in time for the weekend... the big reveal!My set decorator sister Pam has pulled together a stunning + oh-so-captivating post, with loads of brilliant thoughts + insights into the cinematic enchantment + allure of La La Land. So...Get ready for some La-La-Luscious Ideas + Inspiration.Read on, scroll down...I promise you won't be disappointed. Here's Pam's take on La La Land, from set design to real-life interiors...

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FOR THE LOVE OF SET DÉCOR

If you're a film enthusiast like me, you can't help but be swept up into the excitement and buzz of the official award season. The Golden Globes kicked off theLa La Landcraze. Now the frenzy continues with the film’s fourteen Oscarnominations. After seeing the film, I am happily twirling my way onto the bandwagon. Seriously, I cannot wait until spring, so I can slip into a colorful, flouncy dress and dance into the sunset.

{Emma Stone’s canary yellow dress looks stunning against the backdrop of a purple-blue haze. Image via The New York Times.}

Before re-locating to the Midwest, I worked as a Set Decorator, both in New York and LA. Seeing La La Land reminded me of what I love most about the film industry: the magic of each person, cast + crew, doing their part to create the bigger picture. There's something intoxicating about the movies, isn’t there? And, there is something about those dreamers, those artistic souls who are drawn to the creative chaos.

I remember working on the Universal Studios lot, soon after moving to Los Angeles. I was riding in one of those golf carts, running set errands and I had to call my Mom. I was “Living The Dream,” as we called it behind the scenes (“LTD” for short). Of course, we mostly used the term jokingly, while doing something glamorous, like mopping the stage floor.

The other aspect I enjoyed about film decorating was “breaking down the script,” set by set. This is when I’d read through the script with a fine-tooth-comb, in order to get to know the characters and to start dreaming about the world(s) we would create for each character.

As a decorator, I was thoroughly inspired by all of the visual eye candy of La La Land. Here are a couple of cues from the big screen to ignite a little Hollywood magic into your world:

Magic Hour Lighting

You know what they say, “It’s all about the lighting.” Cinematographers call the best time to shoot “magic hour.” It's the period shortly after sunrise or before sunset, when the sky has softer hues than when the sun is shining high in the sky. This film found its' color palette in twilight skies.

Or, you can live the La La dream just by using the "magic hour" filter by A Color Story. Get the app for your smart phone and have some fun editing your images and creating some magic of your own. Here's a fun post by A Beautiful Mess with more info and images for inspiration. Print and frame a magic hour- edited photo of your own or post one on instagram to live that La La vibe.A Starry Night Sky = Drama

La La Land also used the beauty + twinkle of starlight with abandon on their magical sets.

A while back, I laid my eyes on this Audrey Hepburn poster from the French version of Funny Face. I’ve been searching for an actual vintage French poster and have yet to find one within my budget. To find similar replicas, you can go to amazon or etsy. Or, find an array of Hollywood inspired art here.

Technicolor Jazzes Up A Neutral World

In the first act of La La Land, you’ll notice a distinct difference between Mia’s colorful world and the sparse, colorless world of Sebastian. That is until they meet, of course. Mia puts the color inside of his world (I hear a John Mayer song).

You can color your interiors with splashes of vibrancy, with a statement chair in a rich tone or colorful pillows, like this example of an essentially neutral space enhanced with black-and-white and a few vivid pops of color.

How about you, which look do you want to emulate in your home? Isn't it amazing how much inspiration can be found in one extraordinary creative collaboration. Don't you think life should be a little more like the movies? I mean the good stuff: more magic hours, more romance, more heartfelt moments + more dancing under the stars. If you haven't seen La La Land yet, promise me you will before Oscar night!

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About Me

Hi! Thanks so much for stopping by. I'm a photo + interior stylist, a DIY crafter...a lover of the beach + beautiful things. I am a stylist by nature. It's the way I see things. How colour, shapes + texture play together. I'm drawn to fresh, organic spaces...and simple, chic style.

BeSo is named to honor my girls Bela + Sofi - the next generation of sisters of style. My twin sister Pam Stasney (also a stylist, designer + set decorator) is a regular contributor here at BeSoStyle.